Challenge the Iron Duke - Revision history

Twiggy at 19:24, 16 January 2026

2026-01-16T19:24:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:24, 16 January 2026
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	* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead\|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary\|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.		* '''Skop's Mead:''' [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead\|Skop's Mead]] is a [[potion]] created by [[Surgical skills#Apothecary\|apothecaries]] and has a particular resonance for this ritual. Any contributor who has mastered the ritual can consume a dose of Skop's Mead in place of 2 crystal mana, limited as normal by their ranks in Summer Lore. The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber. Only the specific potion Skop's Mead can be used in this manner - other potions that restore hero points do not work.
	* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead\|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.		* '''Champion's Draught:''' One dose of [[Philtres_of_War#Skop's_Mead\|Skop's Mead]] can be consumed by the ''target'' of the ritual, provided they are not also a contributor. Provided it is consumed during the performance of the ritual, it substitutes for up to three crystal mana, following all the normal rules for vis (that is, the effect can be split among multiple casters). The potion also has its normal effects on the imbiber.
	* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer\|Summer ~~Realm~~]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple\|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.		* '''Golden Apples:''' [[Vis]] from the [[Realm#Summer\|Summer realm]] often takes the form of [[Vis#Golden Apple\|golden apples]] and Barien seems particularly keen to see the ritual cast using them. A golden apple can normally be used in place of three crystal mana when performing a Summer ritual; when used to cast Challenge the Iron Duke, each golden apple counts as ''five'' mana. This applies ''only'' to golden apples; other forms of Summer vis will provide only the normal amount of crystal mana.

	Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.		Barien is also known to present gifts of tokens to those who win his approval that can be used as vis for performing this ritual only.
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	==Description==		==Description==
	Barien is [[Barien\|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer\|Summer ~~Realm~~]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.		Barien is [[Barien\|the Iron Duke]], an eternal of the [[Realm#Summer\|Summer realm]] who loves to challenge mortals. He creates contests, and offers contests, to encourage people to strive to achieve everything they are capable of. He is a master smith and has access to the Dragonforge, which allows him to create powerful magic items at great speed when he has need. The magical items that Barien crafts employ enchantments common in the Empire, but each one is individually named and contain a summer aura that affects the wielder, the same way a hallowed item might.

	Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.		Each season, Barien's heralds announces one or more challenges, details of which are published in the Winds of Fortune. In most cases the heralds will explain who can enter the challenge and what form the contest will take, so that aspiring champions can decide if they wish to enter. To enter the challenge, the participant must be the target of this ritual - which must be cast on the Friday night. Barien's heralds take the details of everyone who is entering the contest, publish their names in the Hub the following day. The challenge then takes place shortly after.

MikeCrotch: /* Roll of Champions */

2025-12-09T16:56:02Z

Roll of Champions

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 |-
 ! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
 |-
 | Summer 387 || Ragnar Summers Tongue || [[Build_it_up#Challenge_of_the_Koboldi_Squares|Challenge of the Koboldi Squares]] || Voices of the Unbound Storm

Rafferty: /* Roll of Champions */

2025-10-16T08:19:56Z

Roll of Champions

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:19, 16 October 2025
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	Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE.		Below is the list of victors in the challenges set by Barien since the Winter of 386YE.

	{\| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"		{\| class="wikitable mw-collapsible sortable mw-collapsed"
	\|-		\|-
	! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven		! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven

Dre: /* Rewards and the Dragonforge */

2025-08-21T18:42:35Z

Rewards and the Dragonforge

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 21 August 2025
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	\| Beating Heart \|\| [[Ivory Aketon]] \|\| Light Armour \|\| An [[Ivory Aketon]] for those who inspire others to keep going.		\| Beating Heart \|\| [[Ivory Aketon]] \|\| Light Armour \|\| An [[Ivory Aketon]] for those who inspire others to keep going.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Silverfleece \|\| [[Wardensweave]] \|\| Medium Armour \|\| A set of [[Wardensweave]] fit for a leader of heroes		\| Silverfleece \|\| [[Wardensweave]] \|\| Medium Armour \|\| A set of [[Wardensweave]] fit for a leader of heroes.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Escalade \|\| [[Champion's Bastion]] \|\| Shield \|\| A [[Champion's Bastion]] for those who would be first up the siege ladder.		\| Escalade \|\| [[Champion's Bastion]] \|\| Shield \|\| A [[Champion's Bastion]] for those who would be first up the siege ladder.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Sunfire \|\| Unique Foci \|\| Foci \|\| A ritual focus that boosts a summer ~~ritualists~~ power once a day.		\| Sunfire \|\| Unique Foci \|\| Foci \|\| A ritual focus that boosts a summer ritualist's power once a day.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Shimmerweave\|\| [[Opaline Coat]] \|\| Mage Robes \|\| An [[Opaline Coat]] for mages who are a cut above the riffraff.		\| Shimmerweave\|\| [[Opaline Coat]] \|\| Mage Robes \|\| An [[Opaline Coat]] for mages who are a cut above the riffraff.

MikeCrotch: /* Rewards and the Dragonforge */

2025-08-21T16:40:46Z

Rewards and the Dragonforge

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:40, 21 August 2025
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	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	\|-		\|-
	! Name !! Item !! Type !! ~~Wiki~~ Description		! Name !! Item !! Type !! Description
	\|-		\|-
	\| Noble Essence \|\| [[Duelist's Scales]] \|\| One-handed weapon \|\| A ~~blade~~ for one who wants to prove their pure skill over others.		\| Noble Essence \|\| [[Duelist's Scales]] \|\| One-handed weapon \|\| A [[Duelist's Scales]] for one who wants to prove their pure skill over others.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Breakdown \|\| [[Blacksmith's Wage]] \|\| Polearm \|\| A ~~polearm~~ forged of magical self-repairing metal.		\| Breakdown \|\| [[Blacksmith's Wage]] \|\| Polearm \|\| A [[Blacksmith's Wage]] forged of magical self-repairing metal.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Avalanche \|\| [[Giant's Maul]] \|\| Great Weapon \|\| A ~~great weapon~~ for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.		\| Avalanche \|\| [[Giant's Maul]] \|\| Great Weapon \|\| A [[Giant's Maul]] for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Furnace \|\| [[Witches' Hammer]] \|\| Rod \|\| A ~~rod~~ for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.		\| Furnace \|\| [[Witches' Hammer]] \|\| Rod \|\| A [[Witches' Hammer]] for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Beating Heart \|\| [[Ivory Aketon]] \|\| Light Armour \|\| ~~Light armour~~ for those who inspire others to keep going.		\| Beating Heart \|\| [[Ivory Aketon]] \|\| Light Armour \|\| An [[Ivory Aketon]] for those who inspire others to keep going.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Silverfleece \|\| [[Wardensweave]] \|\| Medium Armour \|\| A set of ~~medium armour~~ fit for a leader of heroes.		\| Silverfleece \|\| [[Wardensweave]] \|\| Medium Armour \|\| A set of [[Wardensweave]] fit for a leader of heroes
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Banquet~~'s ~~Charm \|\| Unique Foci~~ \|\| ~~Foci~~ \|\| A ~~ritual charm to boost~~ those who ~~host others (Adds ranks for Leonine Pavilion & Challenge~~ the ~~Iron Duke)~~		\| Escalade \|\| [[Champion's Bastion]] \|\| Shield \|\| A [[Champion's Bastion]] for those who would be first up the siege ladder.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~The Prince's Kiss & Silvered Patience~~ \|\| ~~[[Scorpion's Sting]] & [[Circlet of Falling Snow]]~~ \|\| ~~Dagger & Jewellery~~ \|\| A ~~talisman befitting~~ a ~~noble, and~~ a ~~dagger to ensure they stay there~~		\| Sunfire \|\| Unique Foci \|\| Foci \|\| A ritual focus that boosts a summer ritualists power once a day.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Escalade~~ \|\| [[~~Champion's Bastion~~]] \|\| ~~Shield~~ \|\| ~~A shield~~ for ~~those~~ who ~~would be first up~~ the ~~siege ladder~~.		\| Shimmerweave\|\| [[Opaline Coat]] \|\| Mage Robes \|\| An [[Opaline Coat]] for mages who are a cut above the riffraff.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Argentum~~ \|\| [[~~Burnished Orb~~]] & 1 ~~dose~~ of ~~Dragon's Blood~~ \|\| ~~Paraphernalia~~ \|\| ~~A orb~~ for ~~coven mages~~ who ~~want to fuel their magical ambition~~.		\| Juggernaut\|\| [[Hero's Hauberk]] + 1 Draught of Great Revelry \|\| Heavy Armour \|\| Heavy armour for those who will not be moved from a position, no matter the pain.
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Boarsnout & Squire's Harness~~ \|\| [[~~Butcher~~'s ~~Bill~~]] & [[~~Warrior~~'s ~~Plate~~]] ~~\|\| Polearm & Heavy Armour \|\| Polearm and plate, fit~~ for ~~a bold hunter and their able assistant~~.		\| Noble Privilege\|\| [[Pauper's Key]] \|\| Jewellery \|\| A [[Pauper's Key]] for those who refused to be shut out of anything.
	\|}		\|}


	Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.		Challengers who are unsuccessful will be offered a consolation prize.
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	Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.		Once a given champion has won a contest, Barien will not accept them as challenger for another contest until a year has passed. Even if they find a way to be presented as champion, they will be disqualified before the contest begins. Anyone caught trying to fool the Iron Duke will face his ire - they will be treated not as a challenger reaching for the laurels but as a thief who is trying to steal the glory of others.
	OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer.		OOC Note: For weapons and armour rewards, players will need to provide their own appropriate phys-rep to be enchanted. For jewellery, foci and paraphernalia, a phys-rep will be provided, though players are free to use their own if they prefer. If multiple characters are trying to win the same item, Barien will create multiple versions with alternative names for the winners to choose from. They will be identical in all respects apart from the name.

	==Roll of Champions==		==Roll of Champions==

MikeCrotch: /* Roll of Champions */

2025-08-21T16:27:35Z

Roll of Champions

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 |-
 ! Summit !! Victor !! Challenge !! Coven
 |-
 | Spring 387 || Vesper Lucentia || [[Doing_it#Challenge_of_the_Caged_Pincer|Challenge of the Caged Pincer]] || The Coven of Golden Wings

Twiggy at 23:57, 1 August 2025

2025-08-01T23:57:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:57, 1 August 2025
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	===Assurance===		===Assurance===
	This ritual has a guaranteed [[~~Ritual_theory~~#~~Response~~\|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[~~Ritual_theory~~#~~Agreement~~\|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour\|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve\|Tests of Resolve]].		This ritual has a guaranteed [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts\|response]] from an eternal, in this case [[Barien]], and it comes with an [[Eternals_and_rituals#Communication_and_Gifts\|assurance]]. The assurance connected with the ritual was lost for several centuries but was rediscovered by members of the [[Unfettered Mind]] shortly before the Winter Solstice 386YE. The ritual loses all power and ceases to function if Dawn ever ceases to use [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Mettle\|Tests of Mettle]], [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Ardour\|Tests of Ardour]], or [[Dawn_culture_and_customs#The_Test_of_Resolve\|Tests of Resolve]].

	==Rewards and the Dragonforge==		==Rewards and the Dragonforge==

Rafferty: /* Game Design */

2025-07-22T19:34:15Z

Game Design

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:34, 22 July 2025
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	As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.		As with any change this will be monitored to see if it is working better for everyone involved.
			{{Challenge Links}}
	[[Category:Summer Ritual]]		[[Category:Summer Ritual]]
	[[Category:Rituals]]		[[Category:Rituals]]

Kirkbride: /* Rewards and the Dragonforge */

2025-07-22T13:23:13Z

Rewards and the Dragonforge

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:23, 22 July 2025
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	\| Breakdown \|\| [[Blacksmith's Wage]] \|\| Polearm \|\| A polearm forged of magical self-repairing metal.		\| Breakdown \|\| [[Blacksmith's Wage]] \|\| Polearm \|\| A polearm forged of magical self-repairing metal.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Avalanche \|\| [[Giant's Maul]] \|\| Great Weapon \|\| A ~~two handed~~ weapon for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.		\| Avalanche \|\| [[Giant's Maul]] \|\| Great Weapon \|\| A great weapon for someone who wants to be the unstoppable force.
	\|-		\|-
	\| Furnace \|\| [[Witches' Hammer]] \|\| Rod \|\| A rod for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.		\| Furnace \|\| [[Witches' Hammer]] \|\| Rod \|\| A rod for those who cannot tolerate imperfection.
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	\| Banquet's Charm \|\| Unique Foci \|\| Foci \|\| A ritual charm to boost those who host others (Adds ranks for Leonine Pavilion & Challenge the Iron Duke)		\| Banquet's Charm \|\| Unique Foci \|\| Foci \|\| A ritual charm to boost those who host others (Adds ranks for Leonine Pavilion & Challenge the Iron Duke)
	\|-		\|-
	\| The Prince's Kiss & Silvered Patience \|\| [[Scorpion's Sting]] & [[Circlet of Falling Snow]] \|\| Dagger & Jewellery \|\| A talisman a noble, and a dagger to ensure they stay there		\| The Prince's Kiss & Silvered Patience \|\| [[Scorpion's Sting]] & [[Circlet of Falling Snow]] \|\| Dagger & Jewellery \|\| A talisman befitting a noble, and a dagger to ensure they stay there
	\|-		\|-
	\| Escalade \|\| [[Champion's Bastion]] \|\| Shield \|\| A shield for those who would be first up the siege ladder.		\| Escalade \|\| [[Champion's Bastion]] \|\| Shield \|\| A shield for those who would be first up the siege ladder.

Twiggy at 06:49, 14 July 2025

2025-07-14T06:49:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:49, 14 July 2025
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	In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter\|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle\|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour\|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.		In the past it has been common for a [[Dawn\|Dawnish]] [[Earl#Enchanter\|enchanter]] who has been approached to provide a [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Mettle\|Test of Mettle]] or [[Dawn culture and customs#The Test of Ardour\|Test of Ardour]] to make meeting and defeating the challenge of the Iron Duke the heart of the Test. There is a common belief that Barien favours houses that do this. The Iron Duke has never directly admitted this - but it does make sense. Barien has confirmed his favour for covens that put forward challengers for his ritual, so it would make sense that earls and enchanters who send knights-errant to challenge the Iron Duke might gain an ally in the Summer realm.

	An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer\|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal of mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.		An [[Urizen]] [[Urizen magical traditions#Stargazer\|stargazer]] by the name of Caellia of Clearwater made a close study of this ritual and several others like it. She argued convincingly that it is actually no different to [[Missive for Sadogua]] - it simply creates a conduit between the ritualists and the eternal, and allows for a transfer of information. It could theoretically be cast for a single crystal mana. However, the ritual has been intentionally designed to be much higher magnitude, and she theorised that this was partly to bind the eternal to an agreed-on pact, and partly to provide power that Barien could then use to create a challenge.

	While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard\|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.		While the ritual is understandably popular in [[Dawn]], it also has obvious appeal to many [[Wintermark\|Winterfolk]], adventurous [[The Brass Coast\|Freeborn]], and legions of [[Imperial Orcs]] looking for an opportunity to 'prove' themselves. Some [[Highguard\|Highborn]] who understand the ritual are torn between a general suspicion of the eternals and the Highborn love of competition; after all, this ritual is tailor-made to allow a clever mortal to pit their wits against an eternal and show what humans are truly made of.
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	==Common Elements==		==Common Elements==
	Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding\|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the ~~challenging~~ and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.		Stories and songs of glorious or heroic deeds, [[Dawn hearth magic#Girding\|girding]] the challenger with arms and armour, or anointing the target with oil, blood or wine are all common elements when performing this ritual. In some nations it is traditional to recite a challengers history in the matter of a troubadour announcing their earl's pedigree. In Varushka, one of the ritualists will often take on the role of Barien, announcing the terms of the challenge and inviting the challenger to swear an oath to compete to the best of their ability.

	Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.		Banners and flags are often used, as are heraldic themes such as the sounding of horns. Some ritual groups will even go so far as to stage a mock battle in the regio, when preparing a challenger for a martial tourney. The Summer Stars, an Urizeni coven that used to favour challengers who sought tests of wit and wisdom, would prepare riddles for the challenger and deliver them to an unprepared challenger during the performance of the ritual.